Rookie Review: Jets' Sheldon Richardson

AP Photo/John BazemoreRookie Sheldon Richardson has made a positive impact for the Jets' D in 2013.

Heading into Week 15, the New York Jets are currently ranked 11th overall in total defense but hold the 29th ranking in total offense ahead of Dallas, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville (and Dallas plays the Bears on "Monday Night Football"). It’s not hard to figure out the disparity between the two units.

First, head coach Rex Ryan holds a defensive background leading from his days as the defensive coordinator in Baltimore. Looking back at the Jets' drafts since Ryan took the reins in January 2009, New York has used five of its six total first-round picks, including five straight, on the defensive side of the ball. QB Mark Sanchez has been the lone offensive player drafted by the Jets in the first round since Ryan's first draft in 2009.

Recently, the Jets have had a heavy focus on the defensive front line. In fact, they have used a first-round pick on a defensive lineman in three consecutive drafts. In 2011, they selected DT Muhammad Wilkerson (Temple) with the 30th overall pick while also selecting DT Kenrick Ellis (Hampton) in the third round. A year later, the Jets selected Quinton Coples (North Carolina) with the 16th overall pick.

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Scouts Inc.

Todd McShay(left) is the director of college scouting for Scouts Inc. McShay, who played quarterback at Richmond, has been evaluating NFL prospects since 1998. Follow Todd on Twitter: @McShay13

Steve Muench(middle) played guard at Richmond and worked in the athletic department there and at Boston College before joining Scouts Inc. in 2002. Follow Steve on Twitter: @MuenchESPN

Kevin Weidl(right) is a former quarterback for Indiana (Pa.) University who worked in the pro scouting department for the New York Jets before joining Scouts Inc. in 2007. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinW_ESPN